GROOT GEESTE

JUNIOR Springbok coach, Kevin Foote, credited his laaities se spangees for breaking their World Rugby Under-20 Championship title drought after klapping New Zealand 23-15 in the final in Rovigo, Italy on Saturday.

It is the first time since 2012 that the Baby Boks have lifted the coveted age-group crown innie Kaap, and the second time they swept aside the Kiwis to taste success.

And as per usual, a hardegat defensive effort, taking the available points on offer, and outmuscling the opposition was key to the Junior Boks’ success after a rolling maul try by Xola Nyali and two penalties by flyhalf Vusi Moyo saw the SA secure a 13-5 halftime lead.

And after keeping a plucky Kiwi side at bay, Moyo kicked a third penalty before a neat Hashim Pead grubber sat up nicely for Gillermo Mentoe to score and deliver the defining blow.

Of the win and watching his laaities dig deep and stay calm to get over the line, Foote said: “From a coach’s perspective, you can’t ask for more than that. It was a real South African defensive effort and gees that won it for us today.”

The Junior Boks’ success sent social media into overdrive, with the Springboks sharing a video on TikTok of watching the Baby Boks.

In the video Bok captain, Siya Kolisi, said: “On behalf of SA we are so proud of you and congratulations, you guys deserve it.”

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie also weighed in on X and tweeted: “Congratulations World Champs, rugby will be dominated by South Africa for decades still.”

Bok fan @Dru4ManUTD posted on X: "The Junior Springboks are U20 World Champs - No DNA just RSA", while @Mofokeng_Esq wysed: "It was all about country duty today. Proud South African, highlighting the Springboks’ win against Georgia and Banyana Banyana reaching the semi-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after beating Senegal 4-1 on penalties."